Clashes break out at Athens Tempe rally

Violence erupted in Syntagma Square on Wednesday evening after another large rally demanding justice for the victims of the Tempe train disaster.

Following the conclusion of the rally, which had called for accountability and “no cover-up,” unknown assailants clashed with police forces stationed at the bottom of the square.

The attackers set fire to trash bins, and the situation escalated quickly. Police responded with tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. The disturbances spread to nearby Othonos and Amalias streets, where masked individuals threw Molotov cocktails at riot police. A total of 32 individuals were detained, sources said. 

According to the police, the violence began after the speeches concluded and while protesters were gradually leaving.

Earlier in the day, protests took place across Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities, with demonstrators demanding justice for the victims of the train crash. In Athens, thousands gathered in Syntagma Square, occupying both the square and surrounding streets.

“We will be here every day,” Maria Karystianou, the president of the Tempe Victims’ Association, told the crowd. The protesters also released 57 lanterns in memory of the 57 victims of the tragedy.

Επεισόδια στο #Σύνταγμα #Τεμπη pic.twitter.com/cJs3LCe6sZ

— Kathimerini_Web (@KathimeriniWeb) March 5, 2025

Source: ekathimerini.com